Fish Tale Half Taken

PERCY ROSS Syndicated Columnist

Please Write Singer

April 24, 1994|PERCY ROSS

Mr. Ross: I have a fishing tale you won't believe. Me and my 14-year-old son were out in our old boat. He hooked a catfish that weighed 33 pounds. It wouldn't fit in the net, so I had to reach in the water and grab it by the gills. When I got it out, it flipped its tail and smacked me in the mouth, knocking my false teeth into the water.

I'm 39 and have been married for 20 years. I have three teen-agers and a 9-year-old that take every cent I make. I work as a cook and now, every time a customer wants to compliment the food, they send out a bus boy instead of me, who ends up getting my tips. It costs $580 to replace my teeth. If you could somehow help, I will repay you when I start getting my tips back, or I'll cook you the best dinner you ever had. - Mr. S.C., Wadesboro, N.C.

Dear Mr. C.: You baited me right because I took your fish tale hook, line and sinker. But just as you were about to reel me in, I felt like I was swimming with the sharks. I'll meet you half way and send you $290.

Dear Mr. Ross: Through a newspaper article, my wife and I recently learned of a woman who, during the years, has brought joy to others through her country-western singing. She is now battling a rare cancer, and a fund has been set up to defray expenses. Although every community has a similar story, what sets this woman apart from the rest is the thank-you letter we received after making our donation:

"Dear Friend, We received your donation and want to thank you very, very much. We almost gave up all hope that someone out there would be kind enough to donate to our worthy cause. Only one other response besides yours has come in. I'm sorry to say, but Patsey has slumped into a deep depression because of this, but we keep praying. Again, thank you and God bless. Sincerely, Bob and Patsey LaBrec''

Mr. Ross, I ask you, have we as Americans turned that cold? I'm sure a donation from you would go a long way. - Mr. James Moore, Champlin, Minn.

Dear Mr. Moore: The real tragedy here isn't so much the cancer, but rather that after a public plea, only two donations were received. You can count on me to make No. 3. I rarely ask, but readers, how about making a real difference in Patsey LaBrec's life? A donation would be nice, even if it's $1, but how about a card or letter to let her know she's not alone?

I suspect it's not the lack of money that caused Patsey to slump into a depression, but the feeling of isolation. Please, make me proud again by sending your donation and, more importantly, your words of support to the Patsey LaBrec Fund, P.O. Box 33162, Coon Rapids, Minn., 55433. Thank you.